Online Purchase Scam

Online Purchase Scam

As of December 2022

4762

victims

Have fallen prey to scammers

S$21.3

million

Total amount lost to scammers

WHAT IS AN ONLINE PURCHASE SCAM?

An unusually good deal for a gadget, amusement park or concert tickets attracts your attention online. You transfer payment to the ""seller"" who promises delivery of the item. In some cases, the seller demands further payment for duties or delivery charges after the first payment is made. Ultimately, you never receive the item.

In another variant, you may be asked to pay in cash for items that you did not purchase, that are different to what you thought you purchased or are cheap replicas.

Many of these fake sellers may pose as legitimate online sellers on popular marketplaces, create fake websites, or even place advertisements on social media to build credibility.

You only realise you've been scammed after paying for the items in cash.

Look out for these scam signs

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Be wary of good deals

If it's too good to be true, chances are it is. These deals often go for way below market price disguised as a one-time-only or flash deals.

Scammers may also promote popular, sold-out items for above market price.

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A lack of information

Scammers often omit product information, and/or have unstated terms and conditions.

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Tries to take conversation off platform

Scammers may try to take the conversation off platform to avoid detection.

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Requests payment via direct bank transfer

Scammers will often ask you to pay via direct bank transfer in return for a discount.

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Asks for multiple payments

Scammers may also ask for extra payments like admin charges and freight charges.

How to stay safe

Transact within the platform. Where possible, insist on cash-on-delivery or use the platform's secure payment method.
Always choose to deal with reputable sellers who have good ratings and reviews and have been with the site for some time.

For high-value items, use reputable platforms with consumer protection and return policies.
Always check the terms and conditions and ensure fees are stated upfront.
Additional fees such as GST may be levied on goods that exceed a certain value ($400) for more information visit Singapore Customs: www.customs.gov.sg/individuals/buying-over-the-internet/
The 5 Stages of E-commerce Scam

Explore each stage of this scam

The 5 Stages of E-commerce Scam

Discover the techniques behind the scam and red flags to look out for

Online Purchase Scam: Real Stories

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20 Mar 2024 | Online Purchase Scam

I lost $100 to E-commerce scams

Seller claimed they are relocating and wanted to sell their home appliances. they offered free delivery and demanded for deposit. They went missing after getting the deposit....

17 Mar 2024 | Online Purchase Scam

Beware of E-commerce scams!

This post seemed "too good to be true." When I messaged them about the price, they said it was free but offered delivery for $30 or self-collection at a specific address. They also asked for a $15 deposit…...

15 Mar 2024 | Online Purchase Scam

Not all online sellers are genuine

This is a scam case involving a Carousell user known as drewK with the phone number 96472???. He deceived me into depositing $2,300 into his PayNow account for the purchase of a Samsung 65QB85C Neo QLED…...

GET SCAM-RELATED ADVICE: CALL 1800-722-6688 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, excl. PH)
GET SCAM-RELATED ADVICE:
CALL 1800-722-6688
(Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, excl. PH)
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